India asks Pakistan to stop issuing objectionable statements

Islamabad, Aug 15 (UNI) India has asked Pakistan to stop issuing what it called 'objectionable' statements on the situation in Kashmir.

''It is not too late for Pakistani leaders and spokesman to desist from the course of action that they have recently embarked upon, and we will urge them to do so forthwith,'' Dawn newspaper yesterday quoted an official statement of External Affairs Ministry issued here by the Indian High Commission.

It said, ''The Government of India finds deeply objectionable the series of remarks by the official spokesman and leaders in Pakistan on recent events in Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

''We are witnessing a recurrence of Pakistani rhetoric and allegations that are factually wrong and that bear no relationship to reality.'' ''To call for international involvement in the sovereign internal affairs of India is gratuitous, illegal and only reflects reversion to a mindset that has led to no good consequences for Pakistan in the past.'' When contacted, Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Sadiq said there was nothing unusual in the statement issued by the Indian Government, rather it was a reaction to Pakistan's principled stand on Kashmir.

''Usually we do not reply to reactions because we have already conveyed our point of view on the issue and we will stick to it. We believe that Kashmir is a disputed territory,'' he said.

On the other hand, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have exchanged messages of greetings on the Independence Day of the two countries.